The appointment reflects a focus by Fairfax on increase investment in high quality journalism that matters to New Zealanders according to Fairfax executive editor Sinead Boucher.

“Paula, Toby and Eugene are an exceptionally talented team who have created some of the most compelling journalism in New Zealand. Their flair for hard-hitting investigative journalism and innovative storytelling will be a real asset to our audiences and I am thrilled they have chosen to join forces with us.”

She also said the team would be encouraged to experiment with telling in-depth stories in modern formats on existing and new platforms.

“We know that our audiences have a deep need and appetite for journalism that is thought-provoking, serious and in-depth. They expect us to hold the powerful to account and champion the causes that matter to New Zealanders, and we are committed to doing so,” Boucher said.

Among the trio’s most significant work was a three year, multi-part investigation into the Teina Pora miscarriage of justice case. Other recent stories include a Battle of Baghak investigation into the deaths of two soldiers in Afghanistan and the exclusive interview with Tania Billingsley, the victim in the Malaysian Diplomat sex attack case.

Penfold said the group was excited about taking a new direction with Fairfax Media.

“There’s a real opportunity to continue the kind of journalism I enjoy, but in interesting new ways. I’m thrilled to be working for a company that recognises the value of investigative journalism - and is prepared to invest in it.”

Penfold has a reputation for current affairs journalism, with a career beginning at Radio New Zealand and continuing at TVNZ, then TV3, where she worked on 60 Minutes, 3rd Degree, 3D and 3D Investigates. She has won several radio and television awards for producing and reporting.

Bingham had a long career at the New Zealand Herald, where he held senior positions including Weekend Herald news editor and Weekend Review rditor. Over the years he has worked in the parliamentary press gallery, covered the Sydney, Athens and Beijing Olympics and been recognised at the NZ Film and Television Awards and the Qantas Media Awards.

Longbottom is a highly regarded current affairs editor responsible for some of New Zealand's memorable stories and investigations. He worked as a team member of Campbell Live for six years and in the last three worked with journalists on 60 Minutes, 3rd Degree, 3D Investigates.

Fresh face for Your Weekend

Weekend newspaper pull-out magazine Your Weekend revealed its new look, with a new editor to match.

The magazine revamp will see the introduction of a range of new sections. Husband and wife comedians Jeremy Elwood and Michele A'Court will do "Head to Head" as they debate lively topics of interest, Jane Bowron writes on the best of the week’s TV viewing, and updated fashion and beauty pages will feature all the answers to your fashion dilemmas, along with the latest trends and tips.

Your Weekend goes out on Saturdays in The Press, Dominion Post and Waikato Times.

Getting to business

Agency The Business has appointed Greg Antoine to the team as account director.

Antoine was previously an account director at Ogilvy & Mather where he managed the Pernod Ricard New Zealand and Pizza Hut accounts. Before that, he has developed his account management skills on the Countdown Supermarkets account for three years.

He has joins the The Business shortly after the agency recently picked up the Heinz Wattie’s account.

Talent agency now dream team of 10

Charlotte Gordon is talent agency The Pond's newest team member and senior talent agent.

She joins after nine years in London working for recruitment firms, including Boyce Recruitment, which head-hunted her in 2011 to build up their freelance division for their highly creative client roster.

Managing director of The Pond Leighton Howl says: “Charlotte brings to the table deep experience from the cutthroat world of UK creative talent recruitment where she worked with top ad agencies, production companies, and broadcasters like Discovery Channel, Disney, AMV, BBH, MTV, and NBC Universal,”

“Clients will love her because sheʼs a born relationship-builder who can read between the lines of any role to find the perfect candidate for their needs. And Pond creatives will find her insightful guidance on how to build their creative careers invaluable.”

3rdeye becomes nine

3rdeye recruitment team has expanded with the appointment of Fiona Tulloch.

She will work with Sarah Ritchie in recruiting for client services, social, digital, PR and experiential roles.

3rdeye director Andy Sive said: “We are now a team of nine, recruiting across all sectors in the advertising, design, media and digital world. We’re busier now than we’ve ever been, and there’s been a notable increase specifically in the number of client services roles we’re being asked to recruit for.

“The growth in digital has seen the traditional role of account manager shift, with agencies now looking for all-star candidates who can perform across all channels. Luckily at 3rdeye we have a strong candidate base and can equip agencies with the people they need.”

Tulloch brings over 10 years’ experience in the publishing, digital and creative sectors and a wealth of international experience.

​A new recruit

Nicole Haysom has joined the Pead PR beauty team as senior account manager.

Most recently working for an Auckland-based consumer lifestyle PR company, she has also worked in admin and PA roles at Red Bull in both the USA and New Zealand and has seven years’ experience with marketing and communications roles in the tourism industry.

Haysom has represented 33 luxury hotels, resorts and lodges and private homes across and around New Zealand and the South Pacific.

She has also completed stints in Miami, New York and London and worked in a large capacity at Tourism New Zealand focusing on brand, marketing and PR, before completing project work for Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa.

His new role comes after a decade with Fairfax Media in the city. He served at the Waikato Times as farming editor, business editor, technology editor and senior reporter during those years, as well as stints as news editor and chief of staff.

HMC director Heather Claycomb commented on the latest member: “We’re excited to welcome Chris to our growing team. His experience as a senior journalist, plus his knowledge of farming, business and technology is a perfect fit for HMC’s client base.

“He will add a new dimension to the services we offer to organisations who require media relations advice, in particular.”

Since beginning his journalism career in 1989 Gardner has worked for a number of publications and said he is excited to join his new team.

“I love stories. I get to hear plenty in this job, and pass on what I have learned.”

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A video campaign to sell milk? In film noir? With slam poetry? Bold - which is precisely why Jonny Kofoed and Assembly didn't back down when creating a campaign for Fonterra's Anchor milk brand. He talks us through the campaign after picking up a Purple Pin for the effort at last year's Best Design Awards.

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Why we like it: Many brands worldwide put out ads and campaigns in light of International Women's Day last week, some with questionable reasoning (looking at you McDonald's). It's great to see inspiration paired with action with this particular campaign, with women able to make a call to a respective leader to ask career questions or get advice about a particular field. With 17 leaders available, including author Joy Cowley and scientist Michelle Dickenson, we hope many Kiwi woman took up the opportunity to chat.

Who's it for: Bags Not by Bcg2 and Go Well Consulting

Why we like it: A campaign that wants to save the world is a good one in our books. The 'Bags Not' campaign encourages Kiwis to say no to plastic bags and supports them to change their single-use habits. Short and sweet and not too preachy, the ad uses celebrities such as artist Dick Frizell and writer and TV presenter, Jaquie Brown to help Kiwi consumers make a behaviour change. However, the proof will be in the pudding to see if Kiwis can cut down on the 1.6 billion single-use plastic bags used each year.

Who’s it for: BNZ by Colenso BBDO

Why we like it: This is the second phase of BNZ’s ‘Bank of You’ and it continues the focus on community and empathy. Featuring different communities in different situations the ad shows banking is more than just suits and spreadsheets. From flower shops to friends, New Zealanders are diverse and so are their interests.